The Bathhouse Gathering

People have different standings depending on the environment they are in.

In an exam hall, those with good grades are considered cool.

In the business world, the wealthy are seen as impressive.

At a hotpot restaurant, those who can handle the spice are the stars.

In the finals, owning a Tibetan Mastiff is the ultimate status symbol.

And in the bathhouse, it’s the busty ones who reign supreme!

The largest bath pool, with water at the perfect temperature, is filled with a misty haze.

The girls’ faces are obscured, but their figures are mostly visible, smooth and toned.

Only one girl stands out, her ample chest drawing all the attention as she descends into the pool.

Her breasts are high and proud, like a majestic mountain, her walk commanding and powerful, like the launch of a mighty ship.

Though her face is hidden, it’s clear she’s beautiful, her hair tied up in a bun, the color lost in the mist.

But it doesn’t matter, for one glance at the mountain peaks floating above the water, and everyone understands.

It’s her. She has arrived.

Splash! Splash! Splash! Splash!

The girls closest to the pool quickly dive in, though the pool can hold fifteen, there are at least twice as many waiting.

“Don’t rush, don’t push,” the first to enter calls out, trying to maintain order, “Only fifteen can enter, those who miss out sit by the side. It’s warm enough, no one will catch a cold. Don’t dive in like dumplings!”

Her words have some effect, and within a few minutes, the pool settles down. Those who can enter do so, the rest wait their turn.

It’s like a limited pool, and Xi Yao is always the star.

“So many people today,” Xi Yao remarks.

Her voice is soft and sweet, slightly damp from the mist, distinctive and soothing.

Everyone recognizes it as the voice of their core leader.

“At first, there were even more,” a girl nearby says, “The outer circle was packed, but many left once they saw the crowd. My roommate was one of them, she gave me her spot and asked me to report back.”

“Mine too.”

“Same here.”

The girls start sharing how many friends they brought, turning the bathhouse into a show of popularity.

Xi Yao listens quietly, understanding this is what Aileen meant by the true voice of campus opinion. From one person to another, information spreads like wildfire.

Once the girls finish their bragging, Xi Yao speaks up, “The pool is too small. Let’s create a QQ group, invite everyone, and discuss there. We don’t all need to meet here every time.”

“Agreed!”

“No problem.”

The girls happily agree, seeing the QQ group as a safer, more convenient option. But the bathhouse gatherings are still essential, serving as the foundation that gives everyone courage.

However,” Xi Yao thinks aloud, “We don’t need to meet every day. Three times a week is enough, so it doesn’t interfere with everyone’s schedule.”

She knows another reason: the bathhouse is where major decisions are made and plans are discussed, and meeting every day would lead to endless discussions without results.

“Agreed.”

“Let’s rest, next time I’ll bring my roommate.”

“We don’t need to reserve spots every night.”

Xi Yao’s suggestion is met with unanimous approval, and unknowingly, her words have become the most influential in the pool.

After settling these matters, the real discussion begins.

“The trolls online are getting out of hand,” a girl says, “Jiang Li tried to clear things up, but it didn’t work.”

Others chime in with their thoughts.

“Her efforts weren’t enough, it felt insincere.”

“It’s harder to prove your innocence than to accuse others of lies.”

“Rumors don’t need evidence.”

The girls in the pool are more reasonable, showing sympathy for Jiang Li, unlike those outside who were cruel.

“Will Jiang Li even have a chance to run now?” someone worries, “Will Yun Caiyi have no opposition?”

Xi Yao speaks up, “Don’t focus on Jiang Li, there are other ways to stop Yun Caiyi from winning.”

All eyes turn to the mountain peaks.

In truth, everyone feels a bit lost. They have the courage and passion, but no clear direction.

Xi Yao is like a guiding light… no, two guiding lights, shining brightly in the water.

“What should we do?” a girl asks hopefully.

Xi Yao, though uncertain, responds, “Don’t rush, we’ll take it one step at a time. The most important thing is to unite, and together, we can achieve anything.”

Her words may seem empty, but they calm the group and boost morale.

What is a natural-born student council president, indeed?

****

Jiang Li, like the day before, waits a while before going to the bathhouse, but when she returns, she finds Xi Yao still soaking.

She loves to linger in the bath, always the last to leave.

“Sorry to bother you so late… are you alone?”

A graceful voice echoes from the doorway, and Jiang Li turns to see Aileen standing there.

“Xi Yao is still bathing,” Jiang Li calculates, “She should be back soon.”

Aileen nods, closing the door behind her and taking a seat, “Then I’ll wait.”

Jiang Li considers her words, then asks cautiously, “Aileen, with your position in the student council, can you access student health records?”

“Health records? I can, but not right now.”

Aileen doesn’t ask for details, simply answering, “The student council secretary has access, but only after officially taking office. The secretary is there to assist the president, and until the election is over, I don’t have full access.”

Jiang Li nods, realizing she’ll have to wait until Xi Yao is in charge.

“Let me know when it’s time,” Aileen offers, “I’ll help you.”